NIGHTLIFE

Rusty Nail Beach Shack in Cape May

The 4-1-1

Cape May's Rusty Nail specializes in casual comfort

The Rusty Nail Beach Shack in Cape May has been going strong for
three years, becoming a favorite beachside hangout for locals and
visitors alike.

Andrew Skilton, restaurant manager for the Rusty Nail, believes
the establishment's focus on staying true to the laidback, island
vibe makes the bar enjoyable for people of all ages.

"Our nightlife philosophy is really to be all-inclusive for all
age groups and demographics," Skilton says. "Our entertainment
focuses on classic rock, reggae and 'beachy' tunes like The Beach
Boys or Jimmy Buffett."

Adding to the "beachy" vibe of the Rusty Nail is the outdoor
seating, which overlooks the bay.

"There is nothing more enjoyable in Cape May," Skilton says,
"than relaxing in the sand, by a fire pit, with ice, cold beer and
listing to great music."

Be Our
Guest

A Local Favorite: "This is our third season,
and the Rusty Nail has long been a favorite hangout of local
surfers and lifeguards," Skilton says. "We decided to keep that
theme alive, even though we have renovated the property."

Familiar Faces: Some acts that frequent the
Rusty Nail include The Guy Petersen Band, Tru Buddhas, Back 2 Life,
Greg Carpenter and The Simple Minded Budz.

Drink To This: Some of the favorite cocktails
at the Rusty Nail include "The Hammer," made of Malibu Black
coconut rum, light and dark Bermuda rums, passionfruit puree, fresh
lemon and juices, served in a coconut shell, or the Margarita
Superiore, which includes 100 percent agave Casa Noble Blanco
tequila, fresh-squeezed lemon, lime and orange, served with a
Hawaiian black lava salted rim. The Rusty Nail even will serve up
specialty "mocktails" for designated drivers or non-drinkers.

See ya Irene: Check out the following
post-hurricane "Good Night Irene" specials good through Monday. For
drinks, there's the "Welcome Back to Jersey" farm-fresh Sangria,
homemade using local wine and fresh fruit from Beach Plum Farm. It
costs $5.50. For food, sample Stuffed cold-water lobster with
choice of buttermilk mashed potatoes, baked potato or baked yam,
and veggie of the day for $34.

Vitals

What: The Rusty Nail Beach Shack

Where: 205 Beach Ave., Cape May

Who: Andrew Skilton manages the restaurant, but
it is owned by the Cape Resorts Group as part of Congress Hall.